Vancouver airport (YVR)

Vancouver International Airport (YVR), opened on July 22, 1931, is the second busiest in Canada and a strategic hub connecting North America, Asia, and Oceania. It serves the entire province of British Columbia. It operates frequent domestic flights and offers direct international routes to key destinations such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Sydney, Mexico City, Cancún, and major cities across the United States.

Official Website: yvr.ca

Phone: +1 604 207 7077

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport operates two terminals open 24 hours a day:

• Main Terminal: Divided into Domestic (Concourses A, B, and C) and International sections (Concourses D and E, with Concourse E dedicated exclusively to U.S. departures with border preclearance).
• South Terminal: Serves regional airlines, charter flights, and helicopters, with an adjacent floating facility on the Fraser River for scheduled floatplanes.

Both terminals are connected by a complimentary shuttle bus service (South Terminal Shuttle) operating approximately between 5:25 am and 9:25 pm, stopping at the Main Terminal arrivals level and outside the South Terminal.

Annual Traffic (2025): 26.9 million passengers.

Information Desks

There are 12 customer service counters located across the arrivals and departures levels of the Main Terminal. Additionally, the "Green Coat" volunteer program provides personalized guidance to passengers in the busiest areas of the airport.

 Location

The airport is located on Sea Island, in the city of Richmond, 12 km (7.5 miles) southwest of downtown Vancouver.

Parking services at Vancouver airport (YVR)

Vancouver Airport provides several secure parking facilities monitored 24 hours a day, offering flexible short-term and extended parking options.

Parking Facilities

• Parkade (Main Terminal): Multi-level covered garage directly adjacent to the Main Terminal. Level 1 accommodates short stays of up to 4 hours (convenient for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups), while Levels 2 and 3 offer long-term vehicle storage. Features designated accessible bays and fast electric vehicle charging stations.
• Value Long Term: Economy surface parking lot located adjacent to the Canada Line Templeton Station. Guests ride the Canada Line train to the Main Terminal free of charge in just 4 minutes. A complimentary shuttle bus runs overnight during non-train operational hours.
• JetSet Parking: Self-park facility on Sea Island offering discounted rates when booked in advance online. A free 24-hour shuttle bus links this lot with the terminals every 20 minutes.
• Airport South Parking: Uncovered surface parking next to the South Terminal, serving regional flight, charter, and floatplane passengers. Payment is processed through on-site automated machines or approved mobile apps.
• Gateway Valet: Curbside valet service operating 24 hours a day, with drop-off located on Departures Level 3 of the Main Terminal.

Important Information

Cell Phone Waiting Area: A complimentary waiting lot on Sea Island allows drivers to park for up to 30 minutes free of charge while waiting for arriving passengers to reach the terminal curb.

Official parking rates and online booking

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Vancouver International Airport is globally recognized for its universal accessibility design, providing dedicated assistance for passengers with physical, sensory, cognitive, and neurodivergent needs.

Requesting Special Assistance

Passengers requiring wheelchair service or personalized escort are advised to contact their airline at least 48 hours prior to scheduled departure. Once at the airport, Green Coat volunteers and customer care agents are stationed across main concourses to provide in-person directions and help.

Infrastructure and Accessibility Features

• Physical Mobility: Accessible boarding bridges, low-height check-in counters and kiosks, elevators with tactile buttons, continuous moving walkways, and fully adapted accessible washrooms.
• Sensory Accommodations: Hearing loop systems installed at key service points, tactile flooring indicators, Braille signage, and free access to the Aira visual interpretation platform for blind or low-vision travelers.
• Neurodiversity & Invisible Disabilities: Recognition of the Sunflower Lanyard scheme, designated low-stimulation Quiet Spaces on Level 4, and pre-travel visual guides for sensory preparation.
• Service Animal Relief Areas: Dedicated sanitary relief stations with synthetic turf and disposal systems located both pre-security curbside and post-security in domestic and international concourses.